Chapter 13 PLE

(13.1) List five areas you will attend to as you work with educational staff to create a learning environment that is conducive to interpreting.


1. Where the interpreter is located:

This is vital for a deaf student to be successful in a classroom. If they cannot see the interpreter and whatever aids the teacher is using to teach then it will be difficult for this student to learn. The interpreter also does not want to be in front of the student the entire day. This can be very tiring for the student. As an interpreter I will be ready jump in when interpreting is needed, but when I am not needed it is good to give the student a break.


2. Where the student is locate:

Deaf students are like everyone else. They have their preferences of where they sit. While they will often sit up front, so as to see better, some may not wish to do this in various school settings. It is important for the student to feel comfortable in their learning environment.


3. Relationship with other students:

It is important that the deaf student does not feel isolated and feels like as much a part of the class as any other student. This will significantly aid in how well the student learns and how much they enjoy school.


4. Relationship with teacher:

It is vital that the teacher have a good relationship with their deaf student. This way if there are any problems with the student, such as disruptive behavior, the teacher will be able to understand the cause (is it cultural or simply the student acting up) and act accordingly.


5. Vocabulary terms:

A student may need extra clarification with terms they do not understand. If a student has a puzzled look on their face then it is necessary to go into further detail to explain the term. It is also nice to have a list of terms before the class begins. This way if there are not signs for the term the interpreter will know how to spell the term, and can better explain the term to the student.


This website contains great information for the role of an educational interpreter, and what they will and will not do in a classroom.